The OpTIC Technology Centre

The OpTIC Technology Centre

About

The OpTIC Technology Centre, owned by Wrexham Glyndŵr University and operated by Glyndŵr Innovations, is a landmark building in a setting that inspires creativity, innovation, and a desire to succeed. It provides R&D and serviced innovation facilities for start-up and early-stage companies. It also specialises in innovative optical systems, product development, engineering and technology consulting. It has developed cutting-edge technology with an unparalleled array of highly specialist equipment and laboratory space. The Centre attracts all areas of technology innovation particularly within the advanced manufacturing and life science sectors. It has a dedicated Space Incubation Programme offering funded support to businesses.

Unique Selling Points

OpTIC provides start-up companies with a professional infrastructure and image to grow their businesses. It combines extensive fully equipped facilities, business incubation and conference centres to assist new companies with their R&D requirements. New technology start-ups and spin-outs can achieve their potential and have opportunities for collaboration and knowledge transfer.

Designed for young high-technology businesses with high growth potential, OpTIC offers fully serviced high quality space at an all-inclusive price, allowing small companies to concentrate on growth and development without the constant pressure of everyday business concerns.

Engineering

In addition to hosting some 15+ innovative technology companies, the centre has its own engineering team providing expert services in the field of precision optical systems and metrology. The Glyndŵr Innovations Precision Optical Systems Group specialises in the design, fabrication and manufacture of optical components and systems for a wide range of applications for industry, science, aerospace, and space. Facilities include CNC and conventional polishing machines for the ultra-fine polishing of large and complex optics. These machines can accommodate optics up to 1.8m in diameter. This work is supported by on-site teams for design, metrology and polishing. The site also boasts a well-equipped metrology lab and wide range of technical resources. The team also has experience in the design and build of complete optical and opto-mechanical systems, including special-purpose telescopes, ground observation systems, and test equipment, as well as precision actuation and other mechanical assemblies.

University links

OpTIC is also the home to a number of R&D projects being run by other Universities. These include teams from Swansea University and the University of Huddersfield working in the fields of Solar Energy and Ultra Precision Optics respectively. The site has initiatives to engage with other Welsh Universities to host other complementary R&D projects.

Business Support

The benefits to locating your company at OpTIC include:

- Networking and training events

- Access to specialist business support

- Access to funding streams

The licence fee for office and innovation units includes:

-Business rates

-Service charges including heating, water and electricity

-WiFi

-Reception services

-Site management and security

The Space Industry Incubation Programme offers:

-Introductory rent

-Funded technical support including mechanical design, FE Analysis,

-Optical tooling and fabrication

-Funded business support including bid writing

-Coaching and mentoring

Facilities and Services

-Serviced offices, units and labs offering:

-All-inclusive, flexible, low-risk options for accommodation, with a one-month notice period

-Services including water, compressed air, 3-phase power

-Virtual offices designed to provide a low-cost professional image for your business

-Dedicated desks ideal for companies looking for a base in Wales

-Innovation units and offices with space from 17m² to 150m²

-Access to the management team for advice and assistance

-Laboratory and clean rooms

-Central reception and switchboard

-Meeting and conference facilities

-Ability to expand and downsize at short notice

-Free on-site car parking

-Café

Surrounding area

Many in North Wales believe St Asaph, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty,offers one of the best work-life balances to be found anywhere in the UK. In terms of economy, North Wales is more than just a beautiful extension of North West England. The A55 Expressway, on which the park is located, is a major route linking Ireland to the UK and Europe. OpTIC’s position in the heart of the region makes it an ideal location both for businesses serving the other parts of North Wales, and also for those with customers and suppliers further afield